“A Good Service”

While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”

Mark 14:3-9

During Jesus’ last visit to the town of Bethany, Mary wanted to show her love for Him. She anointed Jesus with some very expensive oil, much like perfume. The disciples were angry with her, but Jesus put them in their place. Jesus noted that Mary had done a wonderful thing for Him. Jesus delighted in Her gift, for it came from a heart of love. Even anointing Him for burial was beautiful! What would you like to give to Jesus to show your own love? Your time, talent and treasure? It doesn’t matter whether others understand or criticize. Whatever is given from a heart of love is beautiful to Him.

A healthy heart beats with love for Jesus.

Our Daily Bread – August 15, 2005